In 1967, the red wolf was listed as an endangered species (under a law that preceded the Endangered Species Act of 1973), meaning it is considered in danger of extinction throughout all or a significant portion of its range.The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service established a captive breeding program for the red wolf in 1973.Biologists began to remove remaining red wolves from the wild in an effort to save the species from extinction.

These animals were taken to the Point Defiance Zoo and Aquarium in Tacoma, Washington. Over a period of 6 years, more than 400 wolf-like canids were captured in Louisiana and Texas, but of this number, only 43 were considered red wolves and were placed in captivity. Further, breeding experiments revealed that only 17 of the 43 were true red wolves, and only 14 of these successfully bred in captivity. By 1980, the red wolf was considered extinct in the wild.Thanks to the efforts of Point Defiance Zoo and Aquarium and other organizations, the Red Wolf population has grown from 14 to over 250 wolves. Since that first reintroduction in 1987, many other wolves have successfully bred in the Species Survival Plan and the wild. The reintroduced wolves continue to survive and breed successfully, helping to bolster the world population to around 250 individual wolves.

The Red Wolf Species Survival Plan continues to be an outstanding example of successful zoo-based conservation. Point Defiance Zoo and Aquarium has helped lead the Red Wolf breeding and reintroduction program. With the future of the Red Wolf still in question, biologists continue to study these amazing animals to help ensure their continued survival.

All profits from the sale of these prints will be donated to the Pt. Defiance Zoo Red Wolf Habitat.